Council candidate floats tourist sky rail plan

WITH one week to go until nominations close, a big field is now likely to contest the Katherine Town Council elections.

CDU skills coach and automotive lecturer John Zelley, 44, is contesting the poll and lists a tourist “sky rail” as one idea he would explored.

Mr Zelley said after 12 years in Katherine he not only “loves the Katherine lifestyle”, but also believes there is room for improvement in relation to sporting facilities and infrastructure.

“I would really like to see the athletics field upgraded for future athletics carnivals in particular NT titles,” he said.

“I believe there needs to be a home for rugby league that is state of the art which will support and encourage NT and interstate rugby games to be held in Katherine.”

He said while upgrades to park facilities and the finalisation of the Katherine hot springs project are high on his agenda he would also like to see council explore long term tourist opportunities such as a sky rail.

“Now is the time to look after our home town and celebrate the great things Katherine has to offer,” Mr Zelley said.

He said a new economic development plan was needed in the Katherine region for youth to be able to find work and stay in the region.

A small business start-up grant could help bring job opportunities and money into town, he said.

“We also have to encourage shoppers to shop local instead of spending their money online.”

The father-of-two said he would also lobby for new recycling facilities in Katherine and was an anti-fracking supporter.

“Our environment cannot afford a council who are not prepared to look for alternative energy resources and I would encourage council to look at current sustainable practices that are in place.”

Nominations close on Thursday with candidates announced on Friday at noon.

Only two members of the existing council are not re-contesting their positions.